Translated by Valor for Borderland Beat
Current and former employees of the district attorney´s office are being investigated after a video was released yesterday showing how dozens of bodies were being exhumed from two clandestine graves in the state of Morelos.
Mexico City, November 6, 2015 (SinEmbargo)— The District Attorney´s Office of Morelos initiated criminal and administrative proceedings against anyone considered to be responsible for the illegal burial of at least 150 bodies in two graves in 2013, when Graco Ramírez Abreu was already governor.
Current and former employees of the district attorney´s office are being investigated after a video was released yesterday showing how dozens of bodies were being exhumed from two clandestine graves in Morelos. The recording was made in December 2014 by the family of Oliver Wenceslao Rodríguez who was kidnapped and murdered in 2013, and who was located in one of the clandestine graves.
The body was found in a ravine and was buried in one of the graves. However, last December 9, the district attorney´s office had to exhume the body of Oliver, after the family claimed him after a long private investigation.
Family members who were present recorded the exhumation, despite the refusal of the authorities. They counted at least 150 bodies that were placed on boards that served as stretchers, and packed in plastic. Some of the bodies also had a plastic bottle where the folder number of the investigation was placed.
The family of Oliver told La Jornada de Morelos that based on the research they had conducted to locate the body, the 150 bodies were buried clandestinely and illegally by the district attorney´s office since the civil registry was never notified. They also denounced that death certificates were not issued.
Today, the State Human Rights Commission (CEDH) arrived at the scene to conduct investigations where, in accordance with the executive secretary of the state body, Fabiola Colín, there are at least 140 bodies.
In a statement, the state agency reported that the irregularities related to the allegations in line with the law will be addressed.
They mentioned that these events occurred with previous authorities, which, the present administration intends to amend, and promised, in this and any other case, to investigate and resolve it as soon as possible.
The district attorney´s office explained that they have begun the investigation file and the corresponding criminal and administrative proceedings before the Office of the Inspector General, against those who are responsible for the crimes of failing to comply with public services.
Also, to the improper use of public service, violation of laws on burial and the exhumation of bodies, to the detriment of those affected.
Finally, the state agency reiterated its commitment to respect and protect human rights, as they acted on behalf of the victims of the crime.
Source: SinEmbargo